This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

24 Sep 2025 at 14:12

AwardUpdate

22 Aug 2025 at 11:56

Award

14 Jul 2025 at 14:02

Tender

18 Nov 2024 at 14:08

Planning

16 Apr 2024 at 16:59

Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Shared Business Services Limited is overseeing a comprehensive procurement process for the "Transportation and Travel Services for Health" under the framework code SBS10513. This tender is centred on providing ambulance services, classified under CPV code 85143000, with an emphasis on both emergency and non-emergency transport across the United Kingdom. The contract is in the tender update stage, with significant amendments recently made to adjust framework timelines. The framework agreement is set to commence on 29th September 2025 and will run until 28th September 2027, initially spanning two years with the possibility of two additional 12-month extensions. The contract's projected lifetime value is £1.5 billion, with NHS Shared Business Services nearing the award decision stage, following an open procurement method under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations 2023.

This procurement offers robust opportunities for businesses specialising in healthcare transportation services, particularly those equipped to deliver specialised vehicle transport for various patient needs, from high dependency to bariatric and mental health transport. SMEs and large suppliers alike are encouraged to participate, provided they meet the framework's requisites including CQC accreditation and enhanced DBS checks where applicable. The framework's open procedure allows for a competitive environment where businesses can leverage quality, innovation, and social value to enhance their offerings. By engaging in this tender, businesses not only gain access to NHS Shared Business Services' extensive network but also stand to significantly expand their footprint in the public healthcare sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Transportation and Travel Services for Health

Notice Description

NHS Shared Business Services act in an Agency capacity for and on behalf of its customers (Approved Organisations) - existing and new. These comprise of NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) along with any other public or private sector bodies which NHS SBS authorises to use the resulting Framework/Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS) has put in place a Framework Agreement for the provision of Transportation and Travel Services for Health and related Goods and Services for Healthcare to be used by NHS SBS Approved Organisations. Approved Organisations are NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) or any combined authority, integrated care board, local authority, NHS England, NHS foundation trust, NHS trust or any other body listed as a "relevant authority" in the National Health Service Act 2006, which the Authority authorises to use the resulting Framework. These organisations, for the purpose being a principal to the framework agreement under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations are identifiable on the list of Approved Organisations and may be added to from time to time. Our Approved Organisation list can be found on: https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements-categories/ The framework includes: Lot 1 - High Dependency Transport Lot 2 - Specialist Vehicle Transport Lot 2a - Bariatric Transport Lot 2b - Secure Mental Health Transport Lot 2c - Paediatric and Neonatal Transport Lot 2d - Palliative and End of Life Transport Lot 2e - Sitting and Wheelchair Transport Lot 2f - Stretcher Vehicle Transport Lot 3 - Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service Lot 4 - Transportation Marketplace

Lot Information

High Dependency Transport

A framework that allows NHS organisations and other public sector bodies to purchase Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029. Under the Provider Selection Regime, the Authority reserves the right to reopen the competition up to four times to new bidders at any time throughout the lifecycle of this Framework. Reopening will be advertised as required under PSR legislation and conducted via our sourcing portal using the same evaluation criteria for all bidder submissions.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS)

This lot will deliver a sufficient booking system and the ability to dispatch vehicles covering a variety of mobility from walking patients to wheelchairs and stretchers. Suppliers must be CQC registered. Additional information: Award Criteria Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 50% Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 20% Commercial (Price) - Weighting: 30%

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service

Providers awarded onto this lot must have the ability to cover and manage all the scope of Lots 1 and 2: * High Dependency Transport * Bariatric Transport * Secure Mental Health Transport * Paediatric and Neonatal Transport * Palliative and End of Life Transport * Sitting and Wheelchair Accessible Transport * Stretcher Vehicle Transport Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service

Providers awarded onto this lot must provide an online cloud-based platform for Contracting Authorities to book and manage their transportation services, including but not limited to Patient Transport Services (as per Lots 1-3). The awarded provider must have a supply chain of transportation providers that can fulfil the above requirements. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Taxi Services

This lot will deliver a nationwide taxi service for patient transport and NHS staff transport where relevant. The service will include cars and minibuses and trained drivers who can assist passengers. Additional information: Award Criteria Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 50% Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 20% Commercial (Price) - Weighting: 30%

Corporate Travel

This lot will deliver a platform for contracting authorities to book and manage their corporate travel requirements including rail, hotel, and conference management. Additional information: Award Criteria Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 50% Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 20% Commercial (Price) - Weighting: 30%

Bariatric Transport

Bariatric Transport refers to the short or long-distance transportation of bariatric patients. A bariatric patient (larger person) can be defined as anyone regardless of age, who has limitations in health and social care due to their weight, physical size, shape, width, health, mobility. Bariatric transportation providers are typically required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course, with a regulated body. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Secure Mental Health Transport

Secure Mental Health transport relates to safe transportation of mental health patients. It is anticipated that patients may present with complex presentations i.e. physically violent, aggressive, and detained under a section of the Mental Health Act. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Paediatric and Neonatal Transport

Paediatric and Neonatal transport is defined as the specialised transportation of critically unwell children and infants. It is foreseen that this service will include: * Out of hospital care * Emergency retrievals * Planned transfers/repatriation Bidders are typically required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course. Blue lights may be required due to the nature of referrals. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Palliative and End of Life Transport

Palliative and End of Life transport refers to the specialised transport of patients who are nearing the end of their life or require palliative care during transport. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Sitting and Wheelchair Transport

Sitting and Wheelchair Accessible Ambulances are designed for patients who can sit upright or use a wheelchair. This service is required to have one or two members of staff. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Stretcher Vehicle Transport

Stretcher Vehicle Transport is designed for patients who are unable to sit up or require lying down during Transport. Generally, it is required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course, with a regulated body. Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

Options: 2 optional 12-month extension opportunities, taking the Contract End potentially to 31/08/2029.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0452d3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059289-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic, Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services

63516000 - Travel management services

79997000 - Business travel services

85143000 - Ambulance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,500,000,000 £1B-£10B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£1,937,500,000 £1B-£10B

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Sep 202511 months ago
Submission Deadline
10 Jan 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2024Expired
Award Date
20 May 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled, Planned
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS Shared Business Services Limited
Additional Buyers

N H S Shared Business Services

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
Postcode
HP2 7AH
Postcode Area
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH27 South West Hertfordshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Dacorum
Electoral Ward
Adeyfield East
Westminster Constituency
Hemel Hempstead

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
33
Supplier Names

360 Ambulance Service Ltd

365 GROUP LTD

A F J LIMITED

ADVANCE MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICES LIMITED

Ambutech Pre-Hospital Care Ltd

British Red Cross Society

CENTRAL MEDICAL SERVICES LTD

CIPHER MEDICAL CONSULTANCY LIMITED

DHL Supply Chain

EAST ANGLIA MEDICAL CARE LTD

EMFS GROUP LIMITED

ERS Medical Ltd

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

East of England Ambulance Service

Elite Medical and Ambulance Services Ltd

Emergency Doctors Medical Services Ltd

Full list of successful suppliers is available on Contracts Finder

G4S Care And Justice Services (UK) Limited

HATS Group Limited

HEALTH CONNECTIONS PTS LIMITED

Health Transportation Group UK Limited

MIND AND BEHAVIOUR LIMITED

Medi 4 Ambulance Services Ltd

Medical Emergency Solutions

Nerams Ltd

OnCue Transport Ltd

Response Ambulance Service Ltd

SECURE CARE UK LIMITED

SOUTHERN MEDICAL RESCUE LTD

TAKS HEALTHCARE LTD

TEAM MEDIC (LONDON) LIMITED

VCARE-24 LIMITED

VKL HEALTHCARE LTD

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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